Microsoft has released a new beta of its Open XML File Format Converter for Mac OS X. The utility converts Open XML documents into a format readable by Office v. X or Office 2004 for Mac, and supports batch operations in addition to single-file use. Five different file types can be altered: these include standard and macro-enabled Word documents (.DOCX and .DOCM), as well as PowerPoint shows, templates and presentations (.PPSX, .POTX and .PPTX files).
One of the primary purposes of the new beta is to extend its expiration date, which is now set for December 31st, 2008. The software is a free 21MB download, and requires Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later. People are cautioned though that the converter may not always recover all information in an Open XML file; furthermore, they should not install the converter if they are using Office 2008, as this may interfere with the suite's programs.